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The1998 NASCAR Winston Cup Series was the 50th season ofprofessionalstock car racing in the United States and the 27th modern-era cup series. The season included 33 races and three exhibition races, beginning with theDaytona 500 atDaytona International Speedway and ending with theNAPA 500 atAtlanta Motor Speedway.Jeff Gordon won the Driver's Championship, the third of his career, and his third in the last four seasons.

TheBud Shootout Qualifier, a race for the fastest second round qualifier, from each race from the previous season, was run on February 8 inDaytona Beach, Florida.Sterling Marlin drew the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
2. #9 -Lake Speed
3. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
4. #40 -Sterling Marlin
5. #11 -Brett Bodine
6. #97 -Chad Little
7. #75 -Rick Mast
8. #29 -Jeff Green
9. #98 -Greg Sacks
10. #17 -Darrell Waltrip

TheBud Shootout, a race for pole winners from the previous season, was run on February 8 inDaytona Beach, Florida.Mark Martin drew the pole. The race was broadcast onCBS.

Top Ten Results

1. #2 -Rusty Wallace
2. #81 -Kenny Wallace
3. #94 -Bill Elliott
4. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
5. #33 -Ken Schrader
6. #7 -Geoff Bodine
7. #36 -Ernie Irvan
8. #6 -Mark Martin
9. #43 -John Andretti
10. #35 -Todd Bodine

Race One: Top Ten Results

TheGatorade Twin 125s were run on February 12 inDaytona Beach, Florida.Bobby andTerry Labonte were the pole-sitters, for both races, respectively. The races were broadcast tape delayed onCBS prior to the Daytona 500.

1. #40 -Sterling Marlin
2. #88 -Dale Jarrett
3. #18 -Bobby Labonte
4. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
5. #22 -Ward Burton
6. #30 -Derrike Cope
7. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
8. #6 -Mark Martin
9. #43 -John Andretti
10. #94 -Bill Elliott

• Ken Schrader suffered a broken sternum in a hard crash withJohnny Benson on the last lap of Duel 1. He raced in the 500 using his car from theBud Shootout while wearing a bull rider's vest.

Race Two: Top Ten Results

1. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
2. #21 -Michael Waltrip
3. #31 -Mike Skinner
4. #36 -Ernie Irvan
5. #2 -Rusty Wallace
6. #99 -Jeff Burton
7. #9 -Lake Speed
8. #95 -Andy Hillenburg
9. #91 -Kevin Lepage
10. #4 -Bobby Hamilton

TheDaytona 500 was run on February 15 inDaytona Beach, Florida. The Labonte brothers shared the front row withBobby Labonte on the pole, and brotherTerry Labonte starting second. The race was broadcast onCBS.

Top Ten Results

1. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
2. #18 -Bobby Labonte
3. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
4. #33 -Ken Schrader
5. #2 -Rusty Wallace
6. #36 -Ernie Irvan
7. #97 -Chad Little
8. #31 -Mike Skinner
9. #21 -Michael Waltrip
10. #94 -Bill Elliott

Failed to qualify: #07 -Dan Pardus, #8 -Hut Stricklin, #14 -Loy Allen Jr., #26 -Johnny Benson, #29 -Jeff Green, #35 -Todd Bodine, #46 -Wally Dallenbach Jr., #59 -Mark Gibson, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #79 -Norm Benning, #80 -Michael Ciochetti, #81 -Kenny Wallace, #85 -Randy Renfrow, #96 -David Green

• In his 20th Daytona 500 start, Dale Earnhardt finally scored his long-awaited first Daytona 500 victory. This victory also snapped a 59-race winless streak dating back to the spring of 1996.
• Dale dedicated the win to his late friend and colleague,Neil Bonnett, who died in a practice crash for the1994 race.
• "20 years of trying, 20 years of frustration. Dale Earnhardt will come to the caution flag to win the Daytona 500! Finally!" -Mike Joy talking as Earnhardt came to the white flag and the caution flag, giving him his first (and only) Daytona 500 victory.
• This would be the first time since 1996, and the last time in his career, that Dale Earnhardt would leave an event as the points leader.

TheGM Goodwrench Service Plus 400 was run on February 22 inRockingham, North Carolina.Rick Mast won the pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon
2. #2 -Rusty Wallace
3. #6 -Mark Martin
4. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
5. #7 -Geoff Bodine
6. #94 -Bill Elliott
7. #88 -Dale Jarrett
8. #5 -Terry Labonte
9. #4 -Bobby Hamilton
10. #50 -Ricky Craven

Failed to qualify: #05 -Morgan Shepherd, #35 -Todd Bodine, #46 -Wally Dallenbach Jr., #71 -Dave Marcis, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #91 -Kevin Lepage

The inauguralLas Vegas 400 was run on March 1 atLas Vegas Motor Speedway inLas Vegas, Nevada. The No. 88 ofDale Jarrett won the pole. The race was broadcast onABC.

Top Ten Results

1. #6 -Mark Martin*
2. #99 -Jeff Burton
3. #2 -Rusty Wallace
4. #26 -Johnny Benson
5. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
6. #16 -Ted Musgrave
7. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
8. #3 -Dale Earnhardt*
9. #94 -Bill Elliott
10. #97 -Chad Little

Failed to qualify: #1 -Steve Park, #13 -Jerry Nadeau, #19 -Tony Raines, #35 -Todd Bodine, #37 -Larry Gunselman, #38 -Butch Gilliland, #71 -Dave Marcis, #78 -Gary Bradberry

• Martin's win was the first Cup Series victory for theFord Taurus.
• Nine of the top-10 finishers were Fords, with the only exception being 8th place finisherDale Earnhardt, driving aChevrolet.

ThePrimestar 500 was scheduled to run on March 8 atAtlanta Motor Speedway inHampton, Georgia, but was run on March 9 due to rain. The No. 43 ofJohn Andretti won the pole. The race was supposed to be broadcast onABC, but due to the washout, the broadcast was moved toESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #18 -Bobby Labonte
2. #88 -Dale Jarrett
3. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
4. #2 -Rusty Wallace
5. #28 -Kenny Irwin Jr.
6. #90 -Dick Trickle
7. #81 -Kenny Wallace
8. #99 -Jeff Burton
9. #26 -Johnny Benson
10. #35 -Todd Bodine

Failed to qualify: #05 -Morgan Shepherd, #1 -Steve Park/Phil Parsons*, #29 -Jeff Green, #40 -Sterling Marlin*, #71 -Dave Marcis, #95 -Andy Hillenburg, #97 -Chad Little

• Steve Park suffered a broken leg in a hard crash during a Saturday morning practice session before 2nd round qualifying. This crash put Park out of the #1 until August.Phil Parsons was tapped to replace Park on a temporary basis, withDarrell Waltrip being chosen to fill in soon after.
• AfterSterling Marlin unexpectedly failed to qualify, Coors Light decals were placed on the #91 ofKevin Lepage for the race.

TheTranSouth Financial 400 was run on March 22 inDarlington, South Carolina.Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #88 -Dale Jarrett
2. #24 -Jeff Gordon
3. #2 -Rusty Wallace
4. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
5. #99 -Jeff Burton
6. #5 -Terry Labonte
7. #6 -Mark Martin
8. #26 -Johnny Benson
9. #81 -Kenny Wallace
10. #16 -Ted Musgrave

Failed to qualify: #05 -Morgan Shepherd, #1 -Ron Hornaday Jr., #8 -Hut Stricklin, #46 -Wally Dallenbach Jr., #71 -Dave Marcis, #78 -Gary Bradberry

• Before this race,Ricky Craven was diagnosed withpost-concussion syndrome,Randy LaJoie was tapped to sub for Craven in the #50Chevrolet. LaJoie ended up finishing 38th, 9 laps down as he encountered problems during the race.
• Darrell Waltrip showed up to the track with a special #300 car as a tribute to NASCAR legendTim Flock, who was dying from cancer. The car was named "Tim Flock Special" and was based on Flock's car from 1955. Due to NASCAR prohibiting three digit numbers from competing, Waltrip used his familiar #17. Flock would pass away on March 31, eleven days after this race.
• This would also be Waltrip's final race as an owner/driver, as he would sell the team toTyler Jet Motorsports after this race.

TheFood City 500 was run on March 29 atBristol Motor Speedway inBristol, Tennessee.Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon
2. #5 -Terry Labonte
3. #88 -Dale Jarrett
4. #99 -Jeff Burton
5. #26 -Johnny Benson
6. #33 -Ken Schrader
7. #6 -Mark Martin
8. #16 -Ted Musgrave
9. #21 -Michael Waltrip
10. #50 -Randy LaJoie

Failed to qualify: #29 -Jeff Green, #42 -Joe Nemechek, #71 -Dave Marcis, #78 -Gary Bradberry

TheTexas 500 was run on April 5 inFort Worth, Texas.Jeremy Mayfield won the pole. The race was broadcast onCBS.

Top Ten Results

1. #6 -Mark Martin
2. #97 -Chad Little
3. #77 -Robert Pressley
4. #42 -Joe Nemechek
5. #26 -Johnny Benson
6. #5 -Terry Labonte
7. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
8. #18 -Bobby Labonte
9. #21 -Michael Waltrip
10. #41 -Steve Grissom

Failed to qualify: #13 -Jerry Nadeau, #30 -Derrike Cope, #35 -Todd Bodine, #47 -Billy Standridge, #95 -Andy Hillenburg

• The green flag was waved byJim Roper, who won the very first NASCARStrictly Stock race in 1949.
• On lap 2, there was a multi-car pileup in turn 1 that involved at least 9 cars. This was very similar to the start of the previous year's race.
• JourneymanGreg Sacks suffered near-fatal head injuries in a lap 137 crash, forcing him to sit out for the remainder of the 1998 season.Rich Bickle, would drive Sacks' #98 for the rest of the year. The crash effectively ended Sacks' full-time career, as he would only race sparingly in NASCAR andARCA afterwards.
• Mike Skinner was also injured in a hard crash into the wall on lap 252, and would sit out the next 3 races.Morgan Shepherd drove the #31 car for Martinsville and Talladega, whileMike Dillon drove the car at California.

TheGoody's Headache Powder 500 was scheduled to run on April 19 inMartinsville, Virginia, but was run on April 20 due to rain.Bobby Hamilton won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #4 -Bobby Hamilton*
2. #16 -Ted Musgrave
3. #88 -Dale Jarrett
4. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
5. #50 -Randy LaJoie
6. #2 -Rusty Wallace
7. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
8. #24 -Jeff Gordon
9. #36 -Ernie Irvan
10. #33 -Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: #46 -Wally Dallenbach Jr., #71 -Dave Marcis, #78 -Gary Bradberry

• Bobby Hamilton led 378 of the race's 500 laps on his way to a dominant victory.
• This would be the last Cup Series victory forMorgan McClure Motorsports.

TheDieHard 500 was run on April 26 inTalladega, Alabama.Bobby Labonte won the pole and went on to win the race. The race was broadcast onABC.

Top Ten Results

1. #18 -Bobby Labonte
2. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
3. #88 -Dale Jarrett
4. #5 -Terry Labonte
5. #24 -Jeff Gordon
6. #36 -Ernie Irvan
7. #81 -Kenny Wallace
8. #22 -Ward Burton
9. #40 -Sterling Marlin
10. #50 -Randy LaJoie

Failed to qualify: #07 -Dan Pardus, #7 -Geoff Bodine, #8 -Hut Stricklin, #29 -Jeff Green, #35 -Todd Bodine, #60 -Matt Kenseth*, #61 -Bob Strait, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #98 -Rich Bickle

• The race was marred by "The Big One" on lap 141, collectingDale Earnhardt,Bill Elliott and 18 others.
• Matt Kenseth's #60Ford was a 6thRoush Racing entry.
• This would be Kenseth's only Cup Series DNQ.

TheCalifornia 500 was run on May 3 inFontana, California.Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #6 -Mark Martin
2. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
3. #5 -Terry Labonte
4. #24 -Jeff Gordon
5. #1 -Darrell Waltrip
6. #97 -Chad Little
7. #7 -Geoff Bodine
8. #26 -Johnny Benson
9. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
10. #99 -Jeff Burton

Failed to qualify: #8 -Hut Stricklin, #19 -Tony Raines, #71 -Dave Marcis, #98 -Rich Bickle

• Mike Dillon made his only career Cup Series start in this race, driving the #31 for father-in-lawRichard Childress in place ofMike Skinner. Dillon also participated in was theprevious year'sSouthern 500 as a relief driver forDale Earnhardt.

The Winston, a non-points race with seventy laps in three segments, was run on May 16 inConcord, North Carolina atCharlotte Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott won the pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #6 -Mark Martin
2. #18 -Bobby Labonte
3. #88 -Dale Jarrett
4. #99 -Jeff Burton
5. #2 -Rusty Wallace
6. #40 -Sterling Marlin
7. #94 -Bill Elliott
8. #7 -Geoff Bodine
9. #4 -Bobby Hamilton
10. #98 -Rich Bickle

• Jeff Gordon dominated the race, but ran out of gas on the last lap, handing the victory to Martin.

The Coca-Cola 600 was run on May 24 inConcord, North Carolina.Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast onTBS.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon
2. #2 -Rusty Wallace
3. #18 -Bobby Labonte
4. #6 -Mark Martin
5. #88 -Dale Jarrett
6. #42 -Joe Nemechek
7. #43 -John Andretti
8. #99 -Jeff Burton
9. #26 -Johnny Benson
10. #33 -Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: #07 -Dan Pardus, #8 -Hut Stricklin, #28 -Kenny Irwin Jr., #46 -Morgan Shepherd, #47 -Billy Standridge, #71 -Dave Marcis, #85 -Randy MacDonald, #95 -Andy Hillenburg

• Bill Elliott hadJeff Green relieve him midway through the race after hard accidents atTalladega andCalifornia.
• Elliott Sadler made his Cup Series debut in this race, driving the #92Chevrolet forDiamond Ridge Motorsports. Sadler blew an engine and finished 42nd after starting 31st.

TheMBNA Platinum 400 was run on May 31,Dover, Delaware.Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #88 -Dale Jarrett
2. #99 -Jeff Burton
3. #24 -Jeff Gordon
4. #18 -Bobby Labonte
5. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
6. #10 -Ricky Rudd
7. #6 -Mark Martin
8. #8 -Buckshot Jones*
9. #36 -Ernie Irvan
10. #5 -Terry Labonte

Failed to qualify: #13 -Dennis Setzer, #35 -Todd Bodine, #46 -Morgan Shepherd

• This wasBuckshot Jones' only career Top 10 finish in theWinston Cup Series, in only his 2nd career start.

The Pontiac Excitement 400 was run on June 6 inRichmond, Virginia.Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #5 -Terry Labonte
2. #88 -Dale Jarrett
3. #2 -Rusty Wallace
4. #33 -Ken Schrader
5. #6 -Mark Martin
6. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
7. #99 -Jeff Burton
8. #18 -Bobby Labonte
9. #28 -Kenny Irwin Jr.
10. #40 -Sterling Marlin

Failed to qualify: #8 -Buckshot Jones, #91 -Kevin Lepage

• Jeff Gordon crashed out of the lead on lap 370 after contact withRusty Wallace, and finished 37th. It would be Gordon's second DNF of 1998.
• This would be Gordon's final finish outside the top-10 in 1998, as he would score top-10s in all 20 remaining Cup races, including 17 consecutive top-5s, which both stand as All-Time NASCAR records as of 2021. He would also score 10 victories in this stretch.
• This race was notable as it was the first time thatNASCAR decided to red flag a race with under 10 laps to go in order to ensure a green flag finish. This did allow for a final restart, but the race still ended under caution.
• This wasDale Earnhardt's final race withLarry McReynolds as his crew chief after 45 races together and 1 win, as ownerRichard Childress swapped McReynolds withMike Skinner's crew chiefKevin Hamlin. Both drivers saw better performances after the swap.

TheMiller Lite 400 was run on June 14 inBrooklyn, Michigan.Ward Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast onCBS.

Top Ten Results

1. #6 -Mark Martin
2. #88 -Dale Jarrett
3. #24 -Jeff Gordon
4. #99 -Jeff Burton
5. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
6. #94 -Bill Elliott
7. #18 -Bobby Labonte
8. #22 -Ward Burton
9. #42 -Joe Nemechek
10. #50 -Wally Dallenbach Jr.*

Failed to qualify: #19 -Tony Raines, #30 -Derrike Cope, #35 -Todd Bodine, #71 -Dave Marcis

• Wally Dallenbach Jr. drove the #50Chevrolet in place ofRandy LaJoie, who was competing in theBusch Grand National race atPikes Peak in Colorado.

ThePocono 500 was run on June 21 inLong Pond, Pennsylvania.Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield*
2. #24 -Jeff Gordon
3. #88 -Dale Jarrett
4. #99 -Jeff Burton
5. #6 -Mark Martin
6. #1 -Darrell Waltrip*
7. #50 -Wally Dallenbach Jr.
8. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
9. #40 -Sterling Marlin
10. #23 -Jimmy Spencer

Failed to qualify: #00 -Buckshot Jones, #71 -Dave Marcis

• This wasJeremy Mayfield's 1st careerWinston Cup victory.
• This wasDarrell Waltrip's final career top-5 in the Cup Series.
• The race was interrupted by a 71-minute red flag for rain.

TheSave Mart/Kragen 350 was run on June 28 inSonoma, California.Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon*
2. #4 -Bobby Hamilton
3. #43 -John Andretti
4. #18 -Bobby Labonte
5. #2 -Rusty Wallace
6. #6 -Mark Martin
7. #40 -Sterling Marlin
8. #75 -Rick Mast
9. #28 -Kenny Irwin Jr.
10. #41 -Steve Grissom

Failed to qualify: #35 -Todd Bodine, #46 -Tommy Kendall*, #58 -Chris Raudman, #70 -Rick Ware, #71 -Dave Marcis

• Due to ESPN's coverage of the final round of theSenior PGA TourNFL Golf Classic running long,ESPN2 carried the start of the race. ESPN joined the race in progress on lap 3.
• During the weekend,Kevin Lepage signed a contract withRoush Racing to replaceTed Musgrave in the #16Ford after Watkins Glen. After learning of the deal, Lepage was dropped byLJ Racing after 2nd round qualifying. The car still made the field in 42nd starting spot through a provisional.Tommy Kendall was tapped to drive the car in the race and finished 16th.
• RookieJerry Nadeau got anxious on the start. Starting on the outside pole, Nadeau tried to beat polesitterJeff Gordon to Turn 2, but went into Turn 1 too fast and drove off course. By the time he had fully recovered the car, he had dropped to 5th. The off course excursion caused problems with Nadeau's brakes and tires to develop, which resulted in Nadeau crashing in the esses on lap 15, which put him out of the race in last place.
• Lake Speed suffered rib and sternum injuries in a practice crash in Turn 10. The injuries were serious enough for Speed to have to sit out the race.Winston West regularButch Gilliland drove the #9Ford to a 24th-place finish from 40th on the grid in place of Speed.
• AfterJeremy Mayfield had troubles in this race.Jeff Gordon would take over theWinston Cup points lead, and would hold it for the rest of the year.

TheJiffy Lube 300 was run on July 12 inLoudon, New Hampshire.Ricky Craven won the pole in his return to the No. 50 after missing the previous 13 races. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #99 -Jeff Burton
2. #6 -Mark Martin
3. #24 -Jeff Gordon
4. #2 -Rusty Wallace
5. #31 -Mike Skinner
6. #43 -John Andretti
7. #88 -Dale Jarrett
8. #44 -Kyle Petty
9. #33 -Ken Schrader
10. #81 -Kenny Wallace

Failed to qualify: #71 -Dave Marcis

• Lake Speed made his final career start in this race, whose aggravated rib and sternum injuries during the race led to his retirement. Speed's original injuries came from a practice crash he suffered in the previous race at Sears Point.

ThePennsylvania 500 was run on July 26 inLong Pond, Pennsylvania.Ward Burton won the pole. The race was broadcast onTBS.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon
2. #6 -Mark Martin
3. #99 -Jeff Burton
4. #18 -Bobby Labonte
5. #88 -Dale Jarrett
6. #2 -Rusty Wallace
7. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
8. #33 -Ken Schrader
9. #36 -Ernie Irvan
10. #21 -Michael Waltrip

Failed to qualify: #35 -Jimmy Horton, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #79 -Randy MacDonald

• After the previous Sunday's race at Loudon,Jerry Nadeau was fired from the #13Ford. He immediately signed withMelling Racing to replaceLake Speed in the #9Ford. Nadeau finished 26th, 2 laps down.
• Elliott-Marino Racing tappedWally Dallenbach Jr. to drive the #13Ford on an interim basis starting at Pocono. Dallenbach finished 25th, 2 laps down. after starting 42nd (with a provisional).
• Morgan Shepherd was tapped to drive the #91LJ RacingChevrolet starting at Pocono. Shepherd qualified a strong 7th, but collided with the turn 1 wall on lap 71 and finished 40th.

The Brickyard 400 was run on August 1 inSpeedway, Indiana.Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast onABC.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon
2. #6 -Mark Martin
3. #18 -Bobby Labonte
4. #31 -Mike Skinner
5. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
6. #36 -Ernie Irvan
7. #43 -John Andretti
8. #2 -Rusty Wallace
9. #5 -Terry Labonte
10. #33 -Ken Schrader

Failed to qualify: #07 -Dan Pardus, #14 -Lance Hooper*, #15 -Loy Allen Jr., #19 -Robby Gordon, #30 -Derrike Cope, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #95 -Randy MacDonald, #96 -Hut Stricklin

• Jimmy Spencer suffered a concussion in a late-race crash. This forced Spencer to seek relief fromBoris Said the next weekend at Watkins Glen, before completely sitting out the following two races.
• Jeremy Mayfield crashed early in the race coming out of Turn 1. He seemed fine after the wreck, but at Watkins Glen the next weekend, he suffered fainting spells and hadLarry Gunselman on standby, but did not take relief during the race.
• This was the last Cup race attempted byPrecision Products Racing, as car owner Richard Jackson withdrew the #14 car before qualifying began due to lack of sponsorship.
• Steve Park returned to Winston Cup racing for the first time since his accident at Atlanta back in March.
• Jeff Gordon had become the first driver to win the Brickyard 400 twice, and he won the No Bull 5 Million Dollar Bonus.

The Bud at The Glen was run on August 9 atWatkins Glen International inWatkins Glen, New York.Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon
2. #6 -Mark Martin*
3. #31 -Mike Skinner
4. #2 -Rusty Wallace
5. #88 -Dale Jarrett
6. #44 -Kyle Petty
7. #40 -Sterling Marlin
8. #43 -John Andretti
9. #26 -Johnny Benson
10. #18 -Bobby Labonte

Failed to qualify: #58 -Larry Gunselman, #59 -Brian Cunningham, #71 -Dave Marcis

• Jimmy Spencer was relieved during the race byBoris Said, as Spencer needed to recover from the concussion he suffered at Indianapolis.
• Dick Trickle was relieved during the race byBusch North andFeatherlite Modified driverTed Christopher. According to theESPN telecast, this was because of Trickle's apparent lack of skill and confidence in his road racing abilities.
• This wasMark Martin's fourth consecutive 2nd-place finish, and his 3rd toJeff Gordon, losing 30 points to him in the standings over those 3 races.
• This was the last Cup race sponsored by a beer company.
• Ron Fellows was the firstroad course ringer to qualify on the front row sinceDan Gurney in 1970 at Riverside Raceway. In honor of his achievement, as well as the Canadian fans who watched the race, the Canadian National Anthem was recited along with the Star-Spangled Banner during pre-race ceremonies.
• This race was held the day after Mark Martin's father, stepmother and half-sister were killed in a plane crash in Nevada.

ThePepsi 400 presented by DeVilbiss was run on August 16 inBrooklyn, Michigan.Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon*
2. #18 -Bobby Labonte
3. #88 -Dale Jarrett
4. #6 -Mark Martin
5. #99 -Jeff Burton
6. #36 -Ernie Irvan
7. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
8. #50 -Wally Dallenbach Jr.*
9. #43 -John Andretti
10. #97 -Chad Little

Failed to qualify: #71 -Dave Marcis, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #81 -Kenny Wallace, #96 -Hut Stricklin

• Wally Dallenbach Jr. was hired to drive the #50Chevrolet for the rest of the season, and all of 1999 at this point.
• ARCA driverFrank Kimmel subbed forJimmy Spencer for this race, as Spencer was still recovering from a concussion suffered at Indianapolis.
• This wasJeff Gordon's 4th consecutive victory, tying the Modern-era record for most consecutive victories.

TheGoody's Headache Powder 500 was run on August 22 inBristol, Tennessee.Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #6 -Mark Martin*
2. #99 -Jeff Burton
3. #2 -Rusty Wallace
4. #88 -Dale Jarrett
5. #24 -Jeff Gordon
6. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
7. #31 -Mike Skinner
8. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
9. #10 -Ricky Rudd
10. #16 -Kevin Lepage

Failed to qualify: #41 -Steve Grissom, #71 -Dave Marcis, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #85 -Ken Bouchard

• Mark Martin preventedJeff Gordon from scoring the elusive 5th straight victory, a feat that has never been done in NASCAR's modern era.
• Ted Musgrave subbed forJimmy Spencer in the #23Ford forTravis Carter Enterprises. Spencer was still recovering from the concussion that he suffered at theBrickyard 400.

The Farm Aid on CMT 300 was run on August 30 inLoudon, New Hampshire.Jeff Gordon won the pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon*
2. #6 -Mark Martin
3. #43 -John Andretti
4. #88 -Dale Jarrett
5. #99 -Jeff Burton
6. #81 -Kenny Wallace
7. #18 -Bobby Labonte
8. #2 -Rusty Wallace
9. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
10. #10 -Ricky Rudd

Failed to qualify: #00 -Buckshot Jones, #07 -Dan Pardus, #30 -Derrike Cope, #79 -Ken Bouchard

• This race marked the beginning of "Tiregate."Jeff Gordon won both Michigan on and New Hampshire on August 30 after making two-tire final pit stops and pulling away from the pack. Team ownerJack Roush accused Gordon and his team of cheating by applying chemical solvents to their tires.NASCAR officials began an investigation by sealing off Gordon's pit stall and confiscating several sets of tires for testing. Gordon and his team were later acquitted of any wrongdoing prior to the start of theExide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 atRichmond.
• Road racerRon Fellows drove the #96 Chevy forAmerican Equipment Racing in this race, starting 42nd and finishing 36th. It was Fellows' only Winston Cup start on an oval track.

ThePepsi Southern 500 was run on September 6 inDarlington, South Carolina.Dale Jarrett won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon*
2. #99 -Jeff Burton
3. #88 -Dale Jarrett
4. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
5. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield 1 lap down
6. #36 -Ernie Irvan 2 laps down
7. #2 -Rusty Wallace 2 laps down
8. #40 -Sterling Marlin 2 laps down
9. #7 -Geoff Bodine 3 laps down
10. #81 -Kenny Wallace 3 laps down

Failed to qualify: #71 -Dave Marcis, #91 -Morgan Shepherd, #96 -Hut Stricklin

• This race was part of theWinston No Bull 5 program.Jeff Gordon won the last such race, making him eligible to win a million dollars in this race if he pulled off a win.
• This was Jeff Gordon's 7th win in the last 9 races.
• This was Gordon's fourth consecutive Southern 500 victory, the only driver in NASCAR history to accomplish this feat.
• This was Gordon's 10th victory of 1998, making this the third consecutive year that Gordon won 10+ races in a season, a NASCAR modern era record.
• This would be the last time untilJimmie Johnson in 2007 that a driver would win 10 races in a season.

TheExide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 was run on September 12 inRichmond, Virginia.Rusty Wallace won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #99 -Jeff Burton
2. #24 -Jeff Gordon
3. #6 -Mark Martin
4. #33 -Ken Schrader*
5. #43 -John Andretti
6. #4 -Bobby Hamilton
7. #2 -Rusty Wallace
8. #31 -Mike Skinner
9. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
10. #28 -Kenny Irwin Jr.

Failed to qualify: #00 -Buckshot Jones, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #79 -Ken Bouchard, #98 -Rich Bickle

• Jeff Burton would edgeJeff Gordon in an exciting side by side finish to take the win.
• Robert Pressley suffered a broken scapula in a crash early on, and would be forced to sit out the next two races.

TheMBNA Gold 400 was run on September 20 inDover, Delaware.Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #6 -Mark Martin
2. #24 -Jeff Gordon
3. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
4. #18 -Bobby Labonte
5. #2 -Rusty Wallace
6. #94 -Matt Kenseth*
7. #88 -Dale Jarrett
8. #36 -Ernie Irvan
9. #43 -John Andretti
10. #4 -Bobby Hamilton 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: #41 -Steve Grissom, #71 -Dave Marcis, #96 -Morgan Shepherd

• Matt Kenseth made hisWinston Cup debut in relief ofBill Elliott. Elliott decided to skip the race to mourn the death of his father, George.
• Kenseth's 6th-place finish was the 3rd highest finish for a driver in their Cup Series debut, beaten only byTerry Labonte's 4th-place in the 1978 Southern 500, andRusty Wallace's 2nd-place in the fall Atlanta race in 1980.
• Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte both made their 600th career Winston Cup starts in this race.

TheNAPA Autocare 500 was run on September 27 inMartinsville, Virginia.Ernie Irvan won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #10 -Ricky Rudd*
2. #24 -Jeff Gordon
3. #6 -Mark Martin
4. #98 -Rich Bickle*
5. #99 -Jeff Burton
6. #5 -Terry Labonte
7. #94 -Bill Elliott
8. #36 -Ernie Irvan 1 lap down
9. #26 -Johnny Benson 1 lap down
10. #18 -Bobby Labonte 1 lap down

Failed to qualify: #41 -David Green, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #79 -Ken Bouchard, #85 -Randy MacDonald

• This race was run in oppressive heat and humidity. Multiple drivers required relief during the event.Jerry Nadeau was actually forced to pull off the track at one point because he needed relief, and there was no one available that could relieve him.
• Ricky Rudd's cooler box broke literally on lap one of the race, forcing him to race in over 130-degree temperatures.Hut Stricklin was on standby to relieve Rudd, but Rudd never got out of the car. In Victory Lane, Rudd had to be pulled out of the car and given first aid by paramedics.
• This was Rudd's only victory of 1998, continuing his streak of 16 straight race-winning Cup seasons. This would also be Rudd's last victory until Pocono in June 2001, and his last as an owner-driver.
• This wasRich Bickle's best career finish. Bickle broke down in tears during a post-race interview on ESPN.^[1]

TheUAW-GM Quality 500 was run on October 4 inConcord, North Carolina.Derrike Cope won the pole. The race was broadcast onTBS.

Top Ten Results

1. #6 -Mark Martin
2. #22 -Ward Burton
3. #99 -Jeff Burton
4. #4 -Bobby Hamilton
5. #24 -Jeff Gordon
6. #16 -Kevin Lepage
7. #42 -Joe Nemechek
8. #97 -Chad Little
9. #7 -Geoff Bodine
10. #23 -Jimmy Spencer

Failed to qualify: #19 -Tony Raines, #46 -Jeff Green, #71 -Dave Marcis, #80 -Andy Hillenburg, #85 -Randy MacDonald

• This race was red-flagged for nearly 2 hours due to a sewer main behind the backstretch breaking. As a result, raw sewage water streamed across the backstretch from underneath the outside wall.

The Winston 500 was run on October 11 inTalladega, Alabama.Ken Schrader won the pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #88 -Dale Jarrett*
2. #24 -Jeff Gordon
3. #5 -Terry Labonte
4. #23 -Jimmy Spencer
5. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
6. #18 -Bobby Labonte
7. #31 -Mike Skinner
8. #97 -Chad Little
9. #21 -Michael Waltrip
10. #99 -Jeff Burton

Failed to qualify: #07 -Dan Pardus, #41 -Rick Wilson, #54 -Bobby Gerhart, #75 -Rick Mast, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #98 -Rich Bickle

• Winston No Bull 5 race: Dale Jarrett won an extra million dollars for winning this race and finishing in the top 5 in theSouthern 500.
• Ernie Irvan was injured in a violent crash on lap 135. Irvan started the race at Daytona for points, but then sat out the remaining 3 races.
• 500th career start forGeoffrey Bodine.

The Pepsi 400 was scheduled to run on July 4 inDaytona Beach, Florida, but was run on October 17 due to wildfires in the Daytona Beach area.Bobby Labonte sat on the Bud Pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon*
2. #18 -Bobby Labonte
3. #31 -Mike Skinner
4. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
5. #2 -Rusty Wallace
6. #5 -Terry Labonte
7. #22 -Ward Burton
8. #36 -Ernie Irvan*
9. #33 -Ken Schrader
10. #3 -Dale Earnhardt

Failed to qualify: #41 -Rick Wilson, #75 -Rick Mast, #77 -Robert Pressley, #78 -Gary Bradberry, #90 -Dick Trickle

• This was the first NASCAR race at Daytona to be run under the lights.
• 1998 was the first NASCAR season to have back-to-back points paying restrictor plate races, which would not happen again until 2024.
• This race was originally scheduled to be broadcast by CBS, but TNN broadcast the race due to prior commitments by CBS (due to the race's rescheduling).
• Ernie Irvan started the race in the #36, but was replaced at the first caution byRicky Craven.
• This wasJeff Gordon's 40th Winston Cup Career win.
• The 11th win of 1998 for Jeff Gordon. This was the first time since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 that a driver won more than 10 races in a season.
• As of 2025, this is the last time that a driver won 11 races in a season.

TheDura Lube/Kmart 500* was run on October 25 inPhoenix, Arizona.Ken Schrader won the pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #2 -Rusty Wallace
2. #6 -Mark Martin
3. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
4. #99 -Jeff Burton
5. #13 -Ted Musgrave
6. #43 -John Andretti
7. #24 -Jeff Gordon*
8. #81 -Kenny Wallace
9. #26 -Johnny Benson
10. #5 -Terry Labonte

Failed to qualify: #21 -Michael Waltrip, #45 -Jeff Ward, #71 -Dave Marcis

• This race was shortened to 257 laps due to rain.
• This race ended a string of 17 straight top-5 finishes forJeff Gordon, which is a NASCAR record.

TheAC Delco 400 was run on November 1 inRockingham, North Carolina.Mark Martin won the pole. The race was broadcast onTNN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon*
2. #88 -Dale Jarrett
3. #2 -Rusty Wallace
4. #6 -Mark Martin
5. #99 -Jeff Burton
6. #4 -Bobby Hamilton
7. #22 -Ward Burton
8. #5 -Terry Labonte
9. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
10. #10 -Ricky Rudd

Failed to qualify: #71 -Dave Marcis, #80 -Andy Hillenburg, #96 -Steve Grissom

• Jeff Gordon clinched his second consecutiveWinston Cup Series championship whenRick Mast andKevin Lepage were officially listed as out of the race, as Gordon needed to finish 40th or better to clinch the title, or 41st or better with at least one lap led.
• The 12th win of 1998 for Jeff Gordon. This was the first time sinceDarrell Waltrip in 1982 that a driver won 12 races in a season.

The NAPA 500 was run on November 8 inHampton, Georgia.Kenny Irwin Jr. won his 1st career pole. The race was broadcast onESPN.

Top Ten Results

1. #24 -Jeff Gordon*
2. #88 -Dale Jarrett
3. #6 -Mark Martin*
4. #99 -Jeff Burton
5. #91 -Todd Bodine*
6. #4 -Bobby Hamilton
7. #33 -Ken Schrader
8. #5 -Terry Labonte
9. #31 -Mike Skinner
10. #7 -Geoff Bodine

Failed to qualify: #08 -Harris DeVane, #75 -Rick Mast, #80 -Andy Hillenburg, #96 -Steve Grissom,98 -Rich Bickle

• Twice during the race, the red flag was displayed, both times for rain. By the time the second red flag came out, midnight was approaching, and track officials felt obligated to get the fans home at a decent hour. So the race was called at 221 of the scheduled 325 laps.
• Todd Bodine's fifth-place finish was the best ever finish forLJ Racing in the Cup Series.
• Jeff Gordon's victory made him the second driver afterBobby Labonte to win on both of the configurations at Atlanta.
• Gordon's victory ensuredChevrolet the 1998 Manufacturers' Championship.
• This was Gordon's 13th victory of 1998, tying a NASCAR modern-era record withRichard Petty in 1975 for the most wins in a single season.
• Jeff Gordon scored a total of 5,328 points in 33 races throughout 1998, the most points scored in Bob Latford Winston Cup points system history.
• Mark Martin finished second in points for the third time in his career, tyingJames Hylton for the most runner-up points finishes for a driver to never win a championship.
• This was Gordon's 20th consecutive top-10 finish, a NASCAR record.
• Stavola Brothers Racing made its final career start in this race, withMorgan Shepherd starting 32nd before crashing out and finishing 39th.

TheNASCAR Thunder Special Motegi - Coca-Cola 500 was an exhibition race run on November 22 at theTwin Ring Motegi oval inMotegi, Tochigi, Japan.Jeremy Mayfield won the pole.

This is also the firstNASCAR race whereDale Earnhardt andDale Earnhardt Jr. competed with one another in the same race. The race was broadcast onTBS.

Top Ten Results

1. #31 -Mike Skinner
2. #24 -Jeff Gordon
3. #12 -Jeremy Mayfield
4. #99 -Jeff Burton
5. #2 -Rusty Wallace
6. #1 -Dale Earnhardt Jr.
7. #94 -Bill Elliott
8. #3 -Dale Earnhardt
9. #40 -Sterling Marlin
10. #21 -Michael Waltrip 2 laps down

Failed to qualify: None

• Dale Jarrett was forced to skip the event due togallbladder surgery that needed to be performed immediately after theNAPA 500 so that he would be ready for Daytona in February.Darrell Waltrip drove the #88 in Jarrett's place.

(key) Bold - Pole position awarded by time.Italics - Pole position set by owner's points standings. * – Most laps led.

This would be the last time until 2004 in which a rookie candidate did not win a race. The winner of this year's award wasKenny Irwin Jr., who qualified for 32 of the 33 races, had four top-tens, and one pole position in hisRobert Yates Racing Ford.Kevin Lepage finished in second-place despite missing six races and starting the year with an underfunded team. Third-place finisherJerry Nadeau also switched teams, starting the year withBill Elliott Racing but winding up atMelling Racing at season's end. Finally, the last-place finisher was pre-season favoriteSteve Park, who missed most of the year after suffering a broken leg in a practice crash atAtlanta Motor Speedway.

• 1998 NASCAR Busch Series
• 1998 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
• 1998 NASCAR Winston West Series
• 1998 ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series
• 1998 NASCAR Goody's Dash Series

• Racing ReferenceArchived 2006-08-21 at theWayback Machine

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